Brian Gaine worked for the Texans from 2014-16 and is now Buffalo's VP of player personnel. The Texans have received permission to interview him for their vacant general manager job.

Brian Gaine worked for the Texans from 2014-16 and is now Buffalo's VP of player personnel. The Texans have received permission to interview him for their vacant general manager job.

Photo: Getty Images

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith speaks to the media from the media workroom at NRG Stadium, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Houston. Smith announced that he will be taking an extended leave of absence to help care for his wife, Tiffany, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, Smith said. less

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith speaks to the media from the media workroom at NRG Stadium, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Houston. Smith announced that he will be taking an extended leave of absence to ... more

Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle

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Texans executive vice president Rick Smith gives his wife, Tiffany, a more prominent position at Monday's news conference to show "how healthy she is."

Texans executive vice president Rick Smith gives his wife, Tiffany, a more prominent position at Monday's news conference to show "how healthy she is."

Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle

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Tiffany Smith listens as her husband, Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith, speaks to the media from the media workroom at NRG Stadium, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Houston. Smith announced that he will be taking an extended leave of absence to help care for his wife, Tiffany, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, Smith said. less

Tiffany Smith listens as her husband, Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith, speaks to the media from the media workroom at NRG Stadium, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Houston. Smith announced that he will be ... more

Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle

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Texans receive permission to interview Buffalo's Brian Gaine

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The Texans have received permission from Buffalo to interview Brian Gaine, the Bills' vice president of player personnel.

Gaine worked for the Texans from 2014-2016 as general manager Rick Smith's right-hand man in personnel.

Smith stepped aside as general manager on Sunday to take a leave of absence to be with his wife, Tiffany, who's undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Gaine began his Texans' career the same year as coach Bill O'Brien and was well-respected by members of the coaching staff and personnel department.

Smith hired Gaine as director of pro personnel and promoted him to director of player personnel. This season, he worked for Bills general manager Brandon Beane.

Gaine was hired by Beane after interviewing for Buffalo's general manager vacancy.

Gaine has also worked with Miami, Dallas and the New York Jets. He spent six seasons in the Dolphins' personnel department before joining the Texans.

Gaine interviewed for general manager jobs with Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Buffalo.

Gaine is in his 19th year as a member of the NFL personnel departments. His first season coincided with the last year Buffalo made the playoffs before this season. The Bills travel to Jacksonville for a wild-card game Sunday against the Jaguars.